I was originally going to just replace the head unit with a good quality mp3 units until I saw the price. I then thought for the same price or a little more I could do a complete mod by adding a PC to play mp3's, DVD, email/surf with the addition of a wireless access card (war driving).

But I could use some help with the details, such as, can I use the head unit to control the mp3 player on the PC or add a remote, what type of affordable LCD screen to get, how to wire the hole thing up? If this gets to expensive it may be more affordable to just add a laptop to the car, this is where the challege is going to be, make an affordable but quality car PC.

Here is what I have so far for suggested parts.

1. VIA EPIA-M with 20 gig hard drive $150.00



2.LCD Screen with butterfly stand <$200.00 (model not determined)


3. Power Supply PW-60 $50.00

4.PC Case made and fit in arm rest storage area for access to PC by passengers and driver to change DVD and for access to wirless keyboard and mouse. $100.00

If you have any suggestions please help, thanks.

 

theres a company that makes really nice lcd touch screens, I think they run about $500, but the resolution was awesome and the touch screen just hooks up to your computer as a mouse - that'd make it easy to integrate. I can't remember the website, I'll try and find it when Im at work (i think i have it bookmarked , I was also looking at putting in a computer).

 

www.xenarc.com for a 7" touchscreen.
www.opussolutions.com for a 150W "Smart" PSU
To do it right, though, will cost a helluva lot more than even a high end deck with mp3 in it.

 

http://www.unc.edu/~inorkuo/g35/

check this out...page may give you an error when fully loaded, it gives me a problem sometimes but this may give you some more insight into your project..

Good Luck,

Mark

 

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and comments but I have found an excellent site with all the info/programs needed and more to complete this project, please check it out if interested.

http://www.dashpc.com/

 

Sweet! thanks man I've been looking or this for a long time.. I'm gonna have one of these babies soon

 

You Guys ROCK!!!

I was also looking into the same thing. First I thought I could buy a Tablet PC, but its way too expensive and can't be mounted permanantely (risky!!). The idea was to have mp3/dvd player with GPS navigation system, all in one. Then I decided to build one of my own. newegg.com had lots of mini-itx size barebones for under $200. You can also find these sites usefull

http://www.cdadapter.com/mp3oem.htm
http://www.mp3playerstore.com
http://www.mp3projects.com
http://www.digitalww.com/b3.htm

Good luck and keep us posted!!!!

 

That's way too much $$$$.

Get an XBOX put Linux on it and you get an all in one system games, PC, wireless network (need the wireless adapter), mp3, dvd/vcd, etc. You don't really need the VGA (Xenarc) LCD either, just a regular LCD will do. The computer image is pretty decent, of course not as hi-res as vga connection from the Xbox but acceptable for display linux.

 

The xenarc is more than just a quality monitor, it's touchscreen input Makes the install a LOT cleaner if you dont have to pull out a keyboard/mouse to manipulate the system.

 

Here's some Nav software and hardware options I have been looking at.

This site has a lot of good reviews and detailed instructions for installation and support.
http://www.gpspassion.com

I just ordered their laptop conversion kit for $150 with the power adapter.
Deluo GPS options...

I am supposed to get the software and the adapter this week, so I will try to post pictures once I get it up and running.

I will be running it from a laptop with the usb adapter...